The year 1492 marks a major turning point in world history with the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. Although this first contact did not take place directly in Mexico, it laid the foundations for a series of events that will lead to the conquest of this region. The conquest of Mexico, begun a few decades later, is part of a complex historical context where several advanced civilizations coexisted, before being upset by the arrival of the Spaniards.
Historical background before the conquest of Mexico
Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, Mexican territory was the heart of several powerful civilizations, including Aztecs, Mayans and Toltecs. The Aztec empire, centered around Tenochtitlan, was particularly dominant at the beginning of the sixteenth century, with a highly developed political, social and religious organization. They had sophisticated social structures, practised intensive agriculture, and maintained extensive commercial networks. However, internal tensions, interstate rivalries and recurrent conflicts sometimes weakened these societies, which would facilitate the acquisition of control by Spanish conquerors.
First contact between Spanish and Mexican civilizations
Following the discovery of America in 1492, Spanish explorations intensified in the early 16th century, led by conquistadors such as Hernán Cortés. These first contacts were often marked by mistrust and mutual curiosity. When Cortés arrived on the coast of Mexico in 1519, he quickly faced the vastness of the Aztec empire. The Spanish skilfully used local rivalries and alliances with enemy Aztec peoples to advance in their conquest. This first contact symbolizes the beginning of a radical transformation of Mexico, which would profoundly change its history, culture and population.
The conquest of Mexico was not an isolated event, but the result of a long process triggered by the discovery of 1492 and subsequent expeditions. The shock between two worlds, the old and the new, was heavy with consequences, marking the end of an era for the great Mexican civilizations and the beginning of a new era under European domination. Understanding these beginnings is essential to understanding the historical evolution of this rich and complex region.
